Exorcise Phantom Power From Your Home

When it comes to saving electricity, turning your electronics off when they're not in use seems like a no-brainer. However, even when appliances are not on, they still consume some energy. This is called phantom power.

Many gadgets and electronic devices are using power simply by being plugged into the wall. The wattage may not seem like a lot, but it does add up over time. An estimated 5-10 percent of energy use is caused by phantom power, so if you prevent that waste, you can potentially save yourself a month's worth of electricity.

Let's take a look at some of the biggest culprits. DVD players use 10.58 watts while not in use, and CD players eat up about 18.4 watts. Then there's the TV, which sucks up 21 watts even when you're not enjoying it.

The best way to rid yourself of phantom power is to invest in power strips. Not only are they inexpensive and offer surge protection, but they allow you to shut off multiple devices with just one switch, too. So, instead of unplugging each of your electronics individually, plug them into a power strip to save money with just one click.